Interested In Becoming A Dispatcher?

Tools

By
Brittany Cooper

Story Created:
Mar 20, 2013 at 4:47 PM MDT

Story Updated:
Nov 23, 2013 at 3:07 AM MDT

Twin Falls, Idaho ( KMVT-TV / KTWT-TV ) Are you looking for a job or thinking about making a career change? Law enforcement might be your answer as the Twin Falls Police Department is in the process of hiring for a dispatcher.

Dispatchers play a crucial role in the Twin Falls Police Department.

Lt. Craig Stotts says, "things could be quiet and all of a sudden, you could have a major event or an accident. And phones are ringing off the hook, everybody has a cell phone now, so everybody is calling in that accident, dispatchers not only have to answer the call, but dispatch the appropriate emergency personnel."

Stotts says they're anticipating some movement in the future and trying to fill a pool of applicants.

"We have a couple of different hiring opportunities throughout the year," adds Stotts.

No experience is necessary for this position. However, applicants must be at least 19 years and have a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.

Stotts adds, "so somebody could come in with no experience whatsoever and be hired as a dispatcher, receive the training they need and be successful at their job."

The position entails a 14 week training period and extensive background check.

"Interviews, a complete background investigation to include polygraph, drug screening background on credit checks, things like that," adds the lieutenant.

Currently the dispatch unit is fully staffed with ten budgeted positions.There's been occasions where dispatchers moved on to become full–time police officers.

The starting salary for dispatchers is bi-weekly and begins at a little more than $1,200.